Seahawks Secure Top Seed in 2026 NFL Playoff Picture
The 2025-26 NFL season has been wild, honestly. Now, with the regular season wrapped up, the playoff picture is finally coming into focus.
Fans and analysts are buzzing as the wild-card round is set to kick off next weekend. High-stakes matchups, surprise division champs—this postseason already feels different. Let’s dive into the upcoming wild-card games, the final standings, and what might be in store as the playoffs get rolling.
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Wild Card Weekend Matchups
Wild-card weekend is always unpredictable, and this year’s slate looks like it’ll deliver. Here’s a quick look at the matchups and a few things to keep in mind:
NFC Showdowns
The NFC has some games lined up that could go down to the wire.
- Los Angeles Rams (5) at Carolina Panthers (4) – The Panthers, despite finishing 8-9, somehow clinched the NFC South and now get to host the Rams. The Rams, at 12-5, have real momentum and probably feel like favorites here.
- Green Bay Packers (7) at Chicago Bears (2) – Division rivals meeting for the third time in a month? That’s going to be intense. The Bears finished 11-6 and will try to hold off a Packers team that knows them too well.
- San Francisco 49ers (6) at Philadelphia Eagles (3) – The Eagles, also at 11-6, host the 49ers. This one feels like a toss-up—both teams have had strong stretches, but it’s hard to say who’s got the edge.
AFC Battles
The AFC matchups are just as juicy, with some big names and breakout stars.
- Buffalo Bills (6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3) – Jaguars finished 13-4, and their defense is no joke. But Buffalo’s offense can explode at any moment, so this could get wild fast.
- Los Angeles Chargers (7) at New England Patriots (2) – Two of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks go head-to-head: Drake Maye for the Patriots, Justin Herbert for the Chargers. Both teams are coming in hot, so this one’s a must-watch.
- Houston Texans (5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4) – Steelers just clinched the AFC North with a dramatic win. Pittsburgh went 10-7 and now hosts a Texans team that’s been solid all year.
Final Standings and Division Champions
The final standings are set and, honestly, there were a few surprises. Here’s how things shook out:
AFC
- Broncos (13-3)** – AFC West Division Champions
- Patriots (13-3)** – AFC East Division Champions
- Jaguars (13-4)** – AFC South Division Champions
- Steelers (10-7)** – AFC North Division Champions
- Texans (12-5)
- Bills (12-5)
- Chargers (11-6)
NFC
- Seahawks (14-3)** – NFC West Division Champions
- Bears (11-6)** – NFC North Division Champions
- Eagles (11-6)** – NFC East Division Champions
- Panthers (8-9)** – NFC South Division Champions
- Rams (12-5)
- 49ers (12-5)
- Packers (9-7-1)
The Seahawks grabbed the top seed in the NFC, so they’ll get a week off. Same deal for the Broncos in the AFC after their 13-3 campaign. That bye week could be huge, but who knows—sometimes it just adds pressure.
Key Players to Watch
There are a handful of players you just can’t ignore heading into the playoffs. Here’s who’s got the spotlight:
- Drake Maye (New England Patriots) – The rookie QB has been electric all season. If the Patriots go far, it’ll be on his arm.
- Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) – Herbert’s been on a tear, and if the Chargers want to make noise, he needs to keep it up.
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – Allen is always a wild card. He can take over a game or, well, get a little reckless.
- Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos) – The Broncos are riding Wilson’s experience and leadership. He knows what it takes to win in the postseason.
Looking Ahead: Key Dates
For those who live and breathe football, here are the dates you might want to scribble on your calendar:
- January 10-12, 2026: Wild-card round
- January 17-18, 2026: Divisional round
- January 25, 2026: AFC and NFC championship games
- February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California
The road to Super Bowl LX is wide open. The wild-card round is going to set the tone, and from there, it’s anyone’s guess who’s left standing.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 NFL playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. There’s a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces ready to make their mark.
Honestly, the postseason could deliver some wild moments and drama that fans will talk about for years. Are you rooting for a top seed or secretly hoping for a total underdog story?
Every game feels like it could be a must-watch this year. Can’t wait to see how it all shakes out on the road to Super Bowl LX.
For more detailed information on the playoff picture and schedule, check out Fox Sports.
